Charlotte messenger. [volume] (Charlotte, Mecklenburg Co., N.C.) 1882-18??, 1887-03-19
Civil Rights at the Opera House.
INcREAsE IN HOWARD SCHOOL LIBRARY
LITERARY EXERCISES AT BENEDICT
OTHER MATTERS.
CoLunnlA, S. c., March IS.

The MEssENGgR--The famous ac-
tress, Fanny Davenport, was here on
the 18th ms. She appeared in 'Fe-
dora" 10 portray this character calls
forth great hisrionic talent. The very
first act closes with u scene that
reaches culmination as great as the
last scene in the last act of many of
the most noted dramas. This gives
one an idea what a steep this great
actress must climb to reach the culmi-
nation of this heavy tragedy Fanny
Davenport took her audience by storm
from the outset. and carried them
spell-bound with her up the steep.
She portrayed the difficult and excit-
ing parts with the greatest ease and
naturalness, impressing the audience
that they were looking upon scenes in
natural life rather than upon play.
She was appreciated and heartily APP
plauled, being frequently brought
before the curtain She was also
made the recipient of several beautiful
boquets.
1t gives the MESSENGER correspond
ent special pleasure to speak of this
play, aside from the notice it COM
mands as great play. because the
apprec alive colored people of Column
bia are permitted to enjoy such treats
by being allowed to take reserved
seats in the opera house without mo-
lestation. This is evidenced by p. f.
Oliver, Esq, aud wife, enjoying this
play from the parque,te of a house
crowded with the cite white people of
Columbia. OF course this is not the
first instance of the kind, for it is a
privilege that dates back To some years
ago. But we speak Of it now to
show that, Notwithstanding the fact
that the chief executive is Demo-
crat, our State government Demo-
cratic, the civil rights bill has been
declared unconstitutional. and the
negro vote of South Carolina is not
wanted-yet the negro in South Car
olina is allowed some civil rights de-
MED him in other States. This is
progress, and shows too that the South
Carolinians readily distinguish the
difference between civil rights and
social equality. Let us commend our
ncighbors for this, and for not inter-
fering with the civil rights law of
South Carolina.
Howard School Library has been in
creased by the receipt of 60 volumes
FROM Messrs. Alden Il Co., of New
York city These books were pur-
chased through Mr.. Oliver from funds
raised by concerts given by the school.
The teachers were very careful in Sc
Letting the books, and every one pur-
chased is a gem.
Rev. Middleton has returned from
Greenville and brings encouraging
news for the Wise Men.
The Benedict Literary Debating So
ciety celebrated Mrs. B A. Benedict's
18th birthday by giving literary en-
tertainment tonight. Mrs. Benedict
made Benedict Institute possible, and
it is gratifying to see the teachers and
students of that association show their
gratitude by observing this day, and
doing what they en- to better the con-
dition Of the negro.
The following is the programme :;
Prayer, Mr.. John r. Wilson; Essay,
(Wnman), Mr. Z. G. Neal Debate,
(Should Representatives carry out the
wishes of their constituents, even
though these wishes be directly OPP
posed to their maturcd opinion D.
Affirm, Mr.. Thomas b. Williams !;
Neg, Mr., Ezekiel Mobry; Dcclama-
ton, (Absalom) Mr.. c. b. Parker !;
Critics Report, Mr.. John r. Wilson
The programme was well carried out.
The young men showed that they had
given time aud thought to their as
signmcnts; which gives encourage
ment for much brighter days for the
race.
DR.. j. j. Durham, Peter Flynn
Oliver, Esq, and Rev. j. b. Middle
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